FOO FIGHTERS: A Toy of a New Album

Foo Fighters will release their 12th album, Your Favorite Toy, on April 24th. The album includes last year's single "Asking for a Friend" and nine other songs that clock in at under 40 minutes.

The band has released the title track as a new single, and you can check out the lyric video for it on YouTube. Dave Grohl said in a statement, “'Your Favorite Toy' really was the key that unlocked the tone and energetic direction of the new album. We stumbled upon it after experimenting with different sounds and dynamics for over a year, and the day it took shape I knew that we had to follow its lead. It was the fuse to the powder keg of songs we wound up recording for this record. It feels new.”

JOURNEY: You Can Stop Believin'

It didn't take long for Steve Perry to squash a report that he's considering joining Journey on their forthcoming Final Frontier tour. After Jonathan Cain said in an interview that Neal Schon asked Perry to join them and he "didn't say no," Perry issued a statement saying it won't happen. He writes, "I’ve been hearing these recent rumors, and I wanted to speak to you all directly. While I’m always grateful for the love people still have for Journey, the rumors about me rejoining the band are simply not true, and I want to gently put them to rest. "I completely understand why people would hope for that. The music we created together means a great deal to me too. But I’m continuing to explore new creative work and really enjoy working on new music that reflects where I am today. "Thank you for your continued support throughout the years. Your loyalty has never gone unnoticed, and I am forever humbly grateful."

Perry last performed with Journey on November 3rd, 1991 at the Bill Graham tribute concert in San Francisco's Golden Gate Park. Journey starts their Final Frontier tour on February 28th in Hershey, Pennsylvania.

U2: As for That Next Album

While U2 fans get to enjoy Days of Ash, their new six-song EP that was released today (Wednesday), work continues on their next album. In the special edition of their fanzine Propaganda, which accompanies the EP, Bono says, “There’s a lot more than 25 songs in the works. But I’d say about 25 are worth considering for U2 projects in the next few years. The album contenders are very different in mood and theme than the ones we’ve chosen to put out on the Days of Ash EP. More songs of celebration than lamentation … more of a defiantly joyful kind of feel to take on these anxious times … almost a carnival vibe."

He adds, “You can only kick at the darkness for so long. We’re going to try and make the light brighter real soon... We’re going try finding it in each other and our fans. We’re gonna try to find that carnival atmosphere in our audience, where hopefully we can both show each other not just where we are at but where we want to be at … Serious fun is required. We can’t always be letting the bad news drown out the good news.”

Like the new EP, the songs for the album will include drummer Larry Mullen Junior, who had to sit out their Las Vegas residency at the Sphere in 2023 and '24 due to neck surgery. He says, “I’m not gonna lie, it wasn’t easy missing the Sphere residency through injury. But I ignored my symptoms over a few years and just pushed through. Turns out I’m not invincible, and when you don’t listen to your body the consequences are inevitable.” He adds, "Being honest, I wasn’t sure I’d be able to get back to playing at all, so it was a big deal to be in the room with Edge, Adam [Clayton], and Bono again. That said, I’ve had to make some changes, like how I sit at the kit and the height of the various pieces. Other changes require more practice, they’re more about my approach and intention. I’ve always been an intense player, but I’m trying a more relaxed approach, and I’m enjoying the experience. That may not be unconnected to the fact that I’m not hurting myself like I used to.”

U2 are hoping to release the album this year, their first since 2023's Songs of Surrender, and their first with all new material since 2017's Songs of Experience.

BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN: Under Attack ... Again

It's no secret that there's no love lost between Bruce Springsteen and President Trump, so it should come as no shock that the White House has commented on Springsteen's announcement Tuesday of his Land of Hope and Dreams Tour - No Kings. Springsteen says the tour is "in celebration and in defense of America -- American democracy, American freedom, our American Constitution and our sacred American dream -- all of which are under attack by our wannabe king and his rogue government in Washington, D.C."

White House communications director Steven Cheung says, "When this loser Springsteen comes back home to his own City of Ruins in his head, he’ll realize his Glory Days are behind him and his fans have left him Out in the Street, putting him in a Tenth Avenue Freeze-Out because he has a severe case of Trump Derangement Syndrome that has rotted his brain.”

But there is at least one person on Capital Hill who supports Springsteen, and that's Democratic Congressman Jamie Raskin from Maryland, who says, “America has no kings, but we’ve got one Boss and his name is Bruce Springsteen. “Unlike our faux-King, the Boss fights for freedom and democracy for everyone. I cannot wait to hear him sing ‘Streets of Minneapolis’ loud enough to rattle the walls of what’s left of The White House... "Maybe the President will counter-program when Springsteen comes to town by singing a love song to Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell at the Trump-Kennedy Center, another American institution Trump is bulldozing [along with the East Wing of the White House to make room for a ballroom]. "Bruce and the band are going to bring a Rock-and-Roll Resurrection to America and a Rock-and-Roll Exorcism to Washington, D.C. This may be the hottest ticket on the planet. I will be very much out in the street when they come to town.”

Springsteen will kick off the tour on March 31st in Minneapolis, which is appropriate given his new anti-ICE/Trump song, "Streets of Minneapolis," and will be followed by 19 more through May 27th in Washington, D.C. at Nationals Park.

PAUL RODGERS: His New Phase

When it comes to voices for hire, Paul Rodgers is typically one that comes to mind. Just ask Jimmy Page, who teamed up with Rodgers in The Firm. Or Small Faces, Faces and Who

drummer Kenney Jones, who formed The Law with Rodgers. Or Queen's Brian May and Roger Taylor, who joined forces with Rodgers for five years. And then there was Joe Perry, who asked Rodgers if he would consider joining Aerosmith in 2009 when tensions flared with

Steven Tyler. So, it's no surprise that Alex Van Halen and Steve Lukather turned to Rodgers to sing on the album they're making. As previously reported, Alex, in an interview with Brazil's

Kazagastão, said, "We really, really, really wanted Paul Rodgers, and he has a relationship with Luke and we grew up on Free and all that, but [Paul] can't do it anymore. And it was very difficult for him to bring himself to say, 'No, I can't. Count me out.' I respect that. I'm saddened and disappointed, but you know, that's life… He knows he can't do it -- which I think is better than saying, 'Yeah, I can do it,' and then not be able to do it."

We reached out to Rodgers to get his reasoning and he told us, "Luke sent me a track, a good rock track I might add, however I am no longer in that high octane rock phase of life, which is what the track deserves. Instead, I am happily in my acoustic, Zen phase. However, I am humbled that they asked me." Rodgers has not been in the best of health, which led him to cancel his appearance last November when his band, Bad Company, were inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame at the ceremony in Los Angeles. Alex was asked about Robert Plant, and while he would love to work with him, like Rodgers, he's no longer in that high octane rock phase of life. So, the search continues.

AC/DC: 80th Birthday Bon Celebration

With Thursday (yesterday) marking the 46th anniversary of the death of AC/DC frontman and lyricist Bon Scott -- February 19th, 1980 in London at 33 after choking on his own vomit following a drinking binge -- his estate has announced a merchandising plan to celebrate what would have been his 80th birthday on July 9th. Among the Bon merch they'll be hawking are:

Limited-edition coins from the Perth Mint. The one ounce silver and one ounce gold bars will feature Scott’s name and likeness.
T-shirts, poster and more with exclusive artwork commemorating his birthday.
Knucklebonz will issue their third Bon Scott edition, based on images from AC/DC's Powerage tour in 1978.
Dixxon Flannel Co. will launch their second limited-edition Bon Scott shirt in “Heritage” Tartan.
Copa Football Jerseys will launch a collectible “Bon 80” football jersey, also in Heritage Tartan.

And the estate has also struck a deal with the Australian Broadcasting Corporation(ABC) to provide Bon Scott video content to his official YouTube channel, along with exclusive interviews with Bon’s friends, peers and admirers like Rick Springfield, Sammy Hagar, and

Scott Ian from Anthrax who have all recently sat down to discuss their memories. There will also be tribute shows/festivals in Bon's name in Kirriemuir, Scotland from May 1st to the 3rd, and Bon’s Birthday Bash in New York City on July 6th.

RED HOT CHILI PEPPERS: Working on New Stuff

Don't worry Red Hot Chili Peppers fans -- the band is still atcive. With Flea releasing his first ever solo album next month and Chad Smith making drum videos and playing in all-star cover bands, some fans have wondered what's going on with the band. Flea told Mojo that the group has been working as of late. He says, “We’ve been writing music together, recording at [guitarist] John Frusciante’s house, and the music feels great." He added that it's been taking a while as they're hunting for songs that grab them. “Ultimately, once we start playing, it’s about… just catching a magic groove and doing it good." The Chili Peppers released two albums back in 2022 -- Unlimited Love in April and Return of the Dream Canteen in October. They last played a full show in July 2024.

Full Milwaukee Summerfest Lineup Announced

The full lineup for the 2026 Milwaukee Summerfest is being revealed.Ed Sheeran, Alex Warren and Jelly roll will headline the event, along with the previously announced Garth Brooks.The lineup also includes David Lee Roth, James Taylor, Styx, Gene Simmons Band and more. Summerfest will include three weekends, with the first running from June 28th through the 20th. Passes are available now.

QUEEN: Back to Square II

Queen have announced the details regarding the deluxe reissue of their second album, Queen II. Originally released in 1974, the album has been remixed, remastered and expanded into a five-CD and two-LP box set with previously unheard outtakes and demos, live tracks, radio sessions and a 112-page book featuring previously unseen photographs, handwritten lyrics, diary entries, and special memorabilia, as well as memories of writing and recording the album from the band members. Looking back on the album, guitarist Brian May says, "Queen II was the single biggest leap we ever made. That’s when we really started making music the way we wanted to, rather than the way we were being pushed into recording it.”

Drummer Roger Taylor adds, "With Queen II, I couldn’t believe how much work we put into it. I think we felt we were evolving our own sound. We were pioneering this sort of multi-tracking thing. It gave you a tremendous pallet, massive choral effects with just three of us singing.”

And from the archives, Freddie Mercury said, “I wanted to give it everything -- to be self-indulgent. But the whole band in particular, we don't go in for half-measures and I'm pretty hard with myself. There are no compromises.” Also available on two CDs or one vinyl LP, this version of Queen II will be released on March 27th.

William Shatner Is Making A Heavy Metal Album

William Shatner has portrayed a legendary space captain, gone to space for real, written best-selling science fiction novels, but he's about to go where he's never gone before. Yesterday, Shatner announced his latest album, a collaboration with some of heavy metal's biggest names. Of the album's contributors, Shatner says, "Metal has always been a place where imagination gets loud. This album is a gathering of forces; each artist bringing their fire, their precision, their chaos. I chose them because they have something to say, and because metal demands honesty." The exact musicians are yet to be revealed, but it's said over 30 big names will be a part of the album. "I've spent a lifetime exploring in both reality and fiction," said Shatner. "Now I am stepping out into the unknown once again with my new project in heavy metal. I am covering Black Sabbath, Judas Priest and Iron Maiden as well as a number of new songs written by my team. The whole project is destined for this year. I hope you will join me in the exploration." Additional album details will be announced soon.

Primus' Les Claypool Announces Frizzle Fry Graphic Novel

Primus frontman Les Claypool is set to release a graphic novel."Frizzle Fry: Phantoms of Barrington Hall" is described as an "illustrated storybook for adults" that tells a story based on Primus' experiences during their early years. "Frizzle Fry: Phantoms of Barrington Hall" arrives on October 10th via Z2 Comics.

IN OTHER NEWS

Paul McCartney attended the London premiere Wednesday of his new documentary, Man on the Run. Also on hand was actor Paul Mescal who is starring as McCartney in director Sam Mendes’ upcoming Beatles films, The Beatles – A Four-Film Cinematic Event, which will open in theaters in April 2028. Also there were two of McCartney’s children, Stella and James, Noel Gallagher, and Sharon Osbourne. Man on the Run is showing in U.S. theaters today (Thursday) and Sunday, as well as a week-long engagement at the Village East by Angelika in New York City starting this Friday. It will premiere on Prime Video on February 27th.

Ann Wilson of Heart and Lucinda Williams will be among the artists performing at The First Lady of Country Music, Tammy Wynette on March 30th at the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville.

Iron Maiden frontman Bruce Dickinson has just released two of his albums mixed for Dolby Atmos -- 1990's Tattooed Millionaire and 1996's Skunkworks.

The oversized plaque the Eagles recently received for Their Greatest Hits 1971-75 being certified quadruple Diamond by the Recording Industry Association of America is on display at the Eagles Third Encore pop-up store at The Venetian Resort in conjunction with their residency this weekend at the Sphere.

The Grateful Dead have another collaborative brew with Dogfish Head. Grateful Dead Citrus Daydream Lager is "light-bodied, gently hopped, and lifted with lemongrass, lime and lemon peel." It will be offered year round alongside Grateful Dead Juicy Pale Ale, and will hit stores over the coming weeks.

On This Day

·In 1970 - The single "Instant Karma" by The Plastic Ono Band was released in the United States. John Lennon had written, recorded and mixed the track all in one day on Jan. 22, 1970.

·In 1975 - Alice Cooper released his first solo album Welcome to My Nightmare which went on to reach No. 5 on the Billboard 200 Album Chart and sell one million copies in the U.S.

·In 1976 - Kiss placed their booted footprints outside of Grauman's Chinese Theater in Hollywood.

·In 1982 - Pat Benatar married her guitarist Neil Giraldo in Maui. It was Benatar's second marriage, and they're still married to this day.

·In 1982 - Genesis peaked at No. 26 on the Billboard Hot 100 Singles Chart with "Abacab," their fourth single to reach the top forty in the U.S.

·In 1988 - Foreigner peaked at number six on the Billboard Hot 100 Singles Chart with "Say You Will," their eighth top ten single in the U.S.

·In 1991 - Bob Dylan and John Lennon received lifetime achievement awards at the 33rd Grammy Awards.

·in 2003, 100 people were killed and 300 were injured in West Warwick, Rhode Island, when fire destroyed The Station nightclub. The fire started with sparks from a pyrotechnic display being used by Great White. Ty Longley, guitarist for Great White, was one of the victims in the fire.

·In 2009 - The White Stripes, favorites of the host, play "We're Going To Be Friends" on the final episode of Late Night with Conan O'Brien. It ends up being the last performance by the group, which splits up two years later.

Rozak